Smiths Detection wins TSA contracts for advanced checkpoint x-ray systems

PINE BROOK, N.J., 9 June 2008.Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, won follow-on contracts worth $25.2 million from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for additional Advanced Threat Identification X-Ray (aTiX) systems.

The contract awards follow an initial TSA order of $21 million in October 2007 following successful trials at airports across the United States. aTiX is already widely used in U.K. airports. The TSA is deploying aTiX systems across the country and has already completed checkpoint installations at Albuquerque and Denver International airports.

Unlike conventional x-ray systems, aTiX captures multiple views of carry-on bags in a single sweep in the same throughput time as existing systems. It also includes powerful software algorithms which help the operator detect potentially harmful items. This software has the potential to be upgraded as new threats emerge.